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  • DA Stephan Releases ‘2024 Annual Report’ Highlighting Public Safety Achievements

  • Meet the DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit

    The DA's Lifer Hearing Unit
  • Man Sentenced to Prison for Killing Wife, and Throwing Her Severed Legs in Dumpster

    Laurie Diane Potter
  • DA Stephan Denounces Dismantling of Human Trafficking Bill AB 379 by Assembly Public Safety Committee

  • One Safe Place North Celebrates ‘Leap to Confidence’ Graduation

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Latest News

Avoiding Hurricane Harvey Charity Scams

Avoiding Hurricane Harvey Charity Scams

August 30, 2017

The San Diego County District Attorney’s office sent out an alert today to warn San Diego County residents to be careful when donating to charities that promise to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The DA’s Office is offering important consumer advice and information to avoid becoming a victim of charity scams. [TWEET THIS] “We have […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/images/SCAM-ALERT.jpg 320 480 danewscenter /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png danewscenter2017-08-30 00:00:002021-06-25 16:17:49Avoiding Hurricane Harvey Charity Scams
Sentencing Highlights Rise in Overdose Deaths

Sentencing Highlights Rise in Overdose Deaths

August 9, 2017

A man who sold heroin to a San Diego woman, leading to her fatal overdose, was sentenced Wednesday to eight years in local prison. [TWEET THIS] Marc Gressingh, 36, pleaded guilty on June 13, 2017, to selling heroin and a prior conviction for narcotics sales. A judge split the eight year sentence into one year […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/images/heroin-danews.jpg 320 480 danewscenter /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png danewscenter2017-08-09 00:00:002021-06-25 16:17:50Sentencing Highlights Rise in Overdose Deaths
$6 Million Grant to Help Prop. 47 Offenders

DA Stephan is Working to Stop the Revolving Door to Prison

August 2, 2017

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that a $6 million grant will go toward services and programs designed to keep individuals from recycling through the criminal justice system in San Diego County. The three-year grant was announced at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday where DA Stephan explained how the […]

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Video

The DA's Lifer Hearing Unit

The DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lifer-Hearing-Unit-2025-1.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-05-05 14:19:542025-05-06 13:09:42The DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 05-01-25

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DA-News-for-YouTube-05-01-25.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-05-01 15:39:352025-05-06 15:41:37DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 05-01-25

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 04-24-25

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DA-Weekly-News-Video-Update-THUMBNAIL-04-24-25.jpg 714 1288 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-04-24 15:33:482025-05-06 15:37:47DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 04-24-25

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 04-17-25

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DA-Weekly-News-Video-Update-THUMBNAIL-04-17-25.jpg 707 1293 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-04-17 15:26:022025-05-06 15:38:14DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 04-17-25

Citizens of Courage 2025: Group of Good Samaritans

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Good-Samaritans-CHP.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-04-07 18:11:152025-04-07 18:11:15Citizens of Courage 2025: Group of Good Samaritans

Citizens of Courage 2025: Robert Moore

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Robert-Moore.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-04-07 18:08:572025-04-07 18:08:57Citizens of Courage 2025: Robert Moore

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San Diego County District Attorney

Fri May 30th

San Diego County District Attorney
In honor of #AAPImonth, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office. Meet Elaine Bissett, who is the Administrative Analyst for the DA’s Legislative Unit, and has been with our office for 12 years. What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement/ at the DA’s Office?“I’ve had an incredible journey with the District Attorney’s Office over the past 12 amazing years! My career started at the San Diego Superior Court, where I updated court dockets and discovered my passion for the prosecution side of the legal system when I started reading case stories. In 2012, when the court faced a budget crisis, I seized the opportunity to join the DA’s Office as a Legal Support Assistant I. My DA career began in the Economic Crimes Division and later took me to the Administration Division. Over the last 10 years, I’ve worked my way up from a Legal Support Assistant to an Administrative Analyst in the Legislation Unit. In my current role, I coordinate the District Attorney’s sponsored legislation, organize advocacy meetings, track important legislative amendments, and keep in touch with the legislative staff and the Governor’s Office. What I love most about my job is the opportunity to make a real difference in public safety laws and support victims by transforming their experiences into meaningful policies that align with our District Attorney’s vision. As my former director wisely remarked, ‘Your role is crucial for San Diego. We passionately strive to turn ineffective legislation into effective solutions because laws profoundly influence our daily lives.’ It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I am positively impacting our community! One of the highlights of my career was visiting the Capitol in Sacramento in 2016. Meeting the legislators’ staff and seeing assembly members, senators, and Governor Brown (then) in action was amazing. I even had the opportunity to witness the hearing for a significant bill, SB 813, which was partially inspired by the sexual assault allegations against the scandal-plagued comedian Bill Cosby. This bill eliminated the statute of limitations for rape and sexual assault in the state.” What does AAPI Month mean to you/why is it important?“AAPI Heritage Month is significant for me as it underscores the vital contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, especially Filipinos, to our nation’s fabric. This month is not just a celebration of our rich cultural identity; it’s a rallying point for advocating diverse representation in government and pursuing inclusive policies that address critical issues like immigration, healthcare access, and the rising tide of anti-Asian hate. It encourages active community engagement and cultural sharing, reminding us of our collective journey toward equality and justice. Ultimately, this month enables us to take action, empowering us to work together for a future where equality and justice flourish for everyone.” A fun fact about you or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?“As a proud Filipino who loves celebrating, I enjoy spending my free time with friends. Whether hitting the gym, running briskly, or playing pickleball, our adventures are filled with laughter and joy. My favorite activities are dining out and having delightful days with my family and dogs. Growing up in a beautiful tropical climate has made me appreciate the great outdoors even more, so I knew sunny San Diego would be my ideal home 16 years ago. The Hall of Justice has always been my dream workplace; I remember admiring it while I worked as cruise staff during my walks from the Port of San Diego to shop at Horton Plaza.” ... See MoreSee Less

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‪🏛 Pursuing equal & fair justice for all.
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In honor of #AAPImonth, which is observed througho In honor of #AAPImonth, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office. 

Meet Elaine Bissett, who is the Administrative Analyst for the DA’s Legislative Unit, and has been with our office for 12 years. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement/ at the DA’s Office?
“I’ve had an incredible journey with the District Attorney’s Office over the past 12 amazing years! My career started at the San Diego Superior Court, where I updated court dockets and discovered my passion for the prosecution side of the legal system when I started reading case stories. In 2012, when the court faced a budget crisis, I seized the opportunity to join the DA’s Office as a Legal Support Assistant I. 

My DA career began in the Economic Crimes Division and later took me to the Administration Division. Over the last 10 years, I’ve worked my way up from a Legal Support Assistant to an Administrative Analyst in the Legislation Unit. In my current role, I coordinate the District Attorney’s sponsored legislation, organize advocacy meetings, track important legislative amendments, and keep in touch with the legislative staff and the Governor’s Office. What I love most about my job is the opportunity to make a real difference in public safety laws and support victims by transforming their experiences into meaningful policies that align with our District Attorney’s vision. As my former director wisely remarked, ‘Your role is crucial for San Diego. We passionately strive to turn ineffective legislation into effective solutions because laws profoundly influence our daily lives.’ It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I am positively impacting our community!" ...
(CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS)
In honor of #AAPImonth, which is observed througho In honor of #AAPImonth, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Information Technology Principal Yabin Su, who has been with our office for 14 years, and as an I.T. professional, she has been responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and supporting the DA’s intranet and public-facing website. Read more about what inspired Yabin to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?
“I was driven to choose a career in public service by my belief in contributing to the public good and the sense of self-fulfillment I get in serving others. Being a part of the DA’s office, applying my skills to support the office, the victims, and bringing justice to the people have all made this a fulfilling job.”

What does AAPI Month mean to you/why is it important?
“AAPI month is a time to celebrate and honor the rich culture, history, contributions, and achievements of AAPI communities in our country. As a member of the AAPI community, I see this month as an opportunity to raise awareness for the challenges we face, build connections among our communities, reflect on our roots, and reconnect with our traditions.”

A fun fact about you or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“In my free time, I enjoy exploring the beautiful beaches and countless trails that San Diego has to offer. One of my favorite things to do is to cook fusion Chinese food.”
A probationer who stabbed an elderly trolley rider A probationer who stabbed an elderly trolley rider was sentenced today to prison for  the attack. Israel Valdivia, 27, has been sentenced to prison for an early morning attack on a 71-year-old man that left the victim bleeding in the street with multiple stab wounds and a nearly severed ear.

Valdivia was sentenced to seven years to life in prison. He was found guilty by a jury of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon on February 19. Both crimes carry allegations of use of a dangerous and deadly weapon and inflicting great bodily injury on a person over 70.

“This was a vicious, unprovoked attack on a vulnerable older man who was simply exiting the trolley to go to work,” District Attorney Summer Stephan said. “Today’s sentence brings a measure of justice to the victim and to the community at large. We will not tolerate senseless assaults in our trolley system or anywhere. This case demonstrates that violent criminals will be held accountable under the law.”

Valdivia approached the victim after he exited the trolley on his way to work at about 5 a.m. and attacked him, repeatedly stabbing him with an 11 to 13-inch knife. As the victim, 71-year-old Jose Serra, lay bleeding on the ground, Valdivia kicked him and fled the scene. He was eventually captured in Texas later the same month and extradited back to San Diego to face criminal charges. 

Deputy District Attorney Mei Owen prosecuted this case.

Last year, defendant Angelina Montes Stricklen was sentenced to 13 years in prison for stabbing a sleeping 21-year-old man on the Blue Line Trolley in La Jolla. And in 2023, Ryan Rukstelis, was sentenced to 15 years-to-life in prison for fatally pushing a 68-year-old man into a moving freight train in an unprovoked attack.

EN ESPAÑOL: Hombre en Libertad Condicional que Apuñaló a un Anciano que Usaba un Tranvía fue Sentenciado a Prisión por el Ataque https://danewscenter.com/?p=8715
In honor of #AAPImonth, which is observed througho In honor of #AAPImonth, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Deputy District Attorney An Dang, who joined the DA’s Office in 2021. Prior to that, she spent two years at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, and before that, she spent three years at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Since joining our team, she’s been a Deputy DA in the Family Protection Division.

Read more about what inspired An to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?
“My mother was a trailblazer among Asian Americans in public service in San Diego. She is my biggest supporter, my hero, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her. I knew I wanted to be in public service, not only to prosecute Family Protection crimes, but to also be that source of support for those who did not have someone like my mom.” 

What does AAPI Month mean to you/why is it important?
“AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the AAPI community, not only by honoring our past generations who paved the way for us to be here, but also by empowering the current and future generations to thrive. This month is particularly important to me as a first generation Asian American, and the Co-President of the San Diego chapter of the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA). I hope by celebrating the achievements and diverse and sometimes traumatic histories of AAPIs in the United States, we can foster a greater sense of understanding and inclusion, and all stand together to fight hate.”

An and other Deputy DAs are featured in a recent PSA about hate crimes against the AAPI community that NAPIPA created, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uUh8ph7dhs

A fun fact about you or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“I started surfing at 33 years old, and now I’m obsessed. It’s intimidating to start, but once you overcome the challenges, it is the most healing and happy sport.”
📢 Exciting News from the San Diego County Distr 📢 Exciting News from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center!
On May 19, our team joined forces with leaders from 27 California family justice centers at the Sacramento State Capitol for Advocacy Day, organized by the California Family Justice Network (CFJN). 🏛️
District Attorney Summer Stephan’s team, which included Chief Deputy DA Patrick Espinoza, One Safe Place Assistant Executive Director Taraneh Sarebanha, and DA Legislative Coordinator Elaine Bissett, met with local lawmakers to highlight the critical role family justice centers play in supporting abuse survivors with hope, healing, and justice. Special shoutout to Your Safe Place’s Executive Director Diane Doherty for representing the central FJC under the San Diego City Attorney’s leadership! 🙌
A heartfelt thank you to San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (District 13) for speaking on the importance of family justice centers as sanctuaries for those fleeing violence and abuse. 🚨
We were thrilled to join Senator Tim Grayson (District 9) as he introduced Senate Resolution (SCR) 67, declaring May 19, 2025, as Family Justice Center Day in California! 🎉
Family justice centers provide life-saving services to over 70,000 survivors, including 20,000 children, every year. They are a beacon of hope, breaking the cycle of abuse and preventing domestic violence homicides. ❤️
One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center is a project led by DA Summer Stephan to regionalize family justice centers in San Diego County and in just three years it has already helped over 7,000 individuals. Stay tuned for more! 🌟
#AdvocacyDay #FamilyJusticeCenters #SupportingSurvivors #HopeAndHealing #EndAbuse
Today, we stand with friends, family and colleague Today, we stand with friends, family and colleagues to remember and honor our military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
They will never be forgotten.
Thank you for your service.
#MemorialDay
#NeverForget
In honor of #AAPIMonth, which is observed througho In honor of #AAPIMonth, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA's Office. 

Meet Legal Support Manager Maria Garlejo, who has been with the DA’s Office for 18 years.  She began her career in the office as an Intermediate Clerk in our North County Branch, then she transferred to the Hall of Justice in 2021 when she promoted to Legal Support Supervisor II in the Superior Court Division – Records Unit. As a supervisor she led a team of 8-10 support staff; Office Assistants, Legal Support Assistants, and Student Workers, and provided training for each desk in the unit. She made sure to motivate staff to always do their best in their assignments and encouraged professional growth. Just recently, Maria was promoted to Legal Support Manager. “I am very excited to start this new chapter and opportunity in my career with the DA’s office,” she said. 

When she’s not busy working, you might see her spending a lot of time at Disneyland, because she loves “Disney and Mickey Mouse! I have an annual pass and go to Disneyland twice a month with my boys. Thankfully, they too love going and are not getting tired of it.” 

Read more about what inspired Maria to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service? 
“I started at a younger age and honestly at the time, I did not know much about the District Attorney’s office. This was the first department in the County of San Diego to offer me an interview. Other departments offered me positions but it was our office that captured my interest. As my time in the DA’s office grew, I have learned to understand so much about how the justice system is important to the public in pursuing justice and helping victims. I am proud of what the DA’s Office stands for and honored to be part of the DA family. “

Why is AAPI Month important to you?
(CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS)
Today we announce a major victory for crime victim Today we announce a major victory for crime victims, public safety, and due process! 

The California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) has granted a petition filed by the San Diego DA’s Office, striking down a controversial policy by the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) that banned the submission of crime scene and autopsy photographs in parole hearings.

Based on a petition submitted by the District Attorney’s Office, the OAL determined that the Board’s policy—enacted without public input or proper regulatory procedure—constituted an illegal “underground regulation” under California’s Administrative Procedure Act. The ruling requires the Board to cease enforcement of the policy and to follow formal rulemaking procedures if it wishes to pursue any similar restrictions in the future.

“This is a huge win for justice, transparency, and for every crime victim and family who deserves to have their voices heard and the full truth of a crime considered in parole decisions,” said DA Stephan. “The Board’s attempt to erase the harsh realities of violent crimes from parole hearings was not only improper—it was a disservice to public safety and victims’ rights. We’re proud to have stood up for what’s right, and we thank the OAL for correcting the Board’s procedure.”

The now-invalidated policy prohibited prosecutors, victims, and other stakeholders from submitting photographs that the Board deemed “graphic,” including crime scene and autopsy photos. The DA’s Office argued that these images are vital for parole board commissioners to fully understand the nature and impact of crimes and to evaluate an inmate’s credibility and insight. The OAL’s decision reaffirms that all relevant, reliable evidence must be considered in parole proceedings.

In its petition, the DA included legal arguments, examples of hearings where such photos were instrumental, and public outcry from victims and their families who were denied the ability to submit these materials. The specific cases cited included:
(CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS)
 
EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=8677
In this week's DA News Update, District Attorney @ In this week's DA News Update, District Attorney @SummerStephan talks about the status of an important Assembly Bill to fight human trafficking and protect our children in California.
#EndHumanTrafficking #AB379
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